At Nest, you'll find ethnic goods, like Indian quilts and bedding. Experience nirvana by indulging in an organic facial or essential-oil massage at International Orange.

For Scandinavian style, head to Flicka, where you'll find fashion labels Bruuns Bazaar, Malene Birger, and Marimekko, as well as Pappelina rugs and Chang & Biorck pillows.

Just off Fillmore, on Geary and Post Streets, is neighboring Japantown. The pair of celebrated Kinokuniya stores stock stationery, magazines, and pens in all shades of the rainbow. Ichiban Kan (modeled after Japan's 100-yen discount stores) offers up everything from Pocky to sushi shapers.

Hungry hedonists need look no farther than the Ferry Building Marketplace, at the foot of Market Street: Cozy up to the fire with a rich cup of cocoa at Boulette's Larder. Cowgirl Creamery sells cheeses from around the world, as well as its own acclaimed products made fresh in Point Reyes.

Savor the perfect peach conserve at Frog Hollow Farm and artisanal loaves from Acme Bread Company. Then watch the expert shuckers make quick work of the Tomales Bay bivalves at Hog Island Oyster Company.

Michael Recchiuti, a local confectioner, is known for his fleur de sel caramels and unexpected flavor combinations (like tarragon-grapefruit ganache). And for a frosty treat, share a hand-scooped milk shake from Taylor's Automatic Refresher, an outpost of the famed Napa burger joint.

Polk Street, from Filbert to California Streets, is the main drag of the Russian Hill district. Old and new converge at Anica, which features cutting-edge clothing designers (Eskell and Society for Rational Dress) as well as vintage pieces.

Just off Polk, on Vallejo Street, The Candy Store's sweets would make Willy Wonka proud.

The once rough-and-tumble Hayes Valley has been transformed. On Hayes Street, Propeller combines sleek furniture with playful accessories.

Fiddlesticks and Lavish are where in-the-know parents buy organic outfits for trendy tots, while the fashion-forward Azalea carries grown-up sizes from Loom-state and Edun.

At home store Rose and Radish, product selection and presentation are key. Housewares are curated by theme (e.g., shape), sold gallery-style, and rotate every three months.

If you consider dessert its own food group, Citizen Cake's rose-petal creme brulee is for you. At the corner of Grove and Franklin, pull up a stool and sip a side-car, courtesy of famed mixologist Thad Vogler at Jardiniere.

Rest easy with K Studio's pillows from Spring, say "cheese" at Cowgirl creamery, tour Japantown for a Tokyo-type fix, and cleanse your body and mind at International Orange.

Reusable totes are on hand for your trip to the twice-weekly Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, directly across the street from the Ferry Building.

Day TripPoint Reyes is just an hour north of the city, and the drive-starting at the Golden Gate Bridge and snaking along the Pacific coastline-is stunning. Once there, you can paddle a rented kayak on calm, wildlife-surrounded Tomales Bay or hike in coastal grasslands.

For a different variety of bay watch, check out the California gray whales that migrate through those waters in December and January.